Cetuximab associated dermal filler reaction

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Patients with head and neck cancers may undergo treatments involving radiation therapy and targeted therapies like cetuximab.
• Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are commonly used for cosmetic purposes.
• Potential interactions between cancer treatments and pre-existing dermal fillers are not well-documented.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing cetuximab and radiation for glossotonsillary malignancy had hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
• Significant inflammation developed at the filler sites after the first cycle of cetuximab.
• The inflammation resolved following treatment with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal fillers.

Findings:

• Cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, may induce inflammatory reactions at sites of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
• Hyaluronidase effectively resolves cetuximab-induced inflammation associated with dermal fillers.

Implications:

• Oncologists and dermatologists should be aware of the potential for cetuximab to exacerbate inflammation around dermal fillers.
• Hyaluronidase is a viable treatment option for managing filler-related inflammation during cetuximab therapy.
• This interaction highlights the importance of a comprehensive patient history including cosmetic procedures when initiating cancer treatment.